cunning

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Known as "the crocodile" because of his political cunning, his final five-year term is due to expire in 2028.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

As Thia tries to complete the mission she failed alongside her synthetic sister, Fanning relishes the chance to play the far more violent and cunning counterpart, Tessa.

From Salon • Jan. 24, 2026

A dizzyingly beautiful one and a disarmingly talented one — with all the accompanying cunning, love complexity and joy it means to be human.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

While he wouldn’t bet against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman—he called Altman one of “the most cunning founders, CEOs—whatever you want to call it—that I have ever met”—Ohanian noted that OpenAI faces a test.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 5, 2025

He was neither handsome nor ugly, distinguished only by the malice that burned in his gray eyes, and that serpent smile of cunning and venom.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor